Wendell Barnhouse is a nationally-known and respected columnist who has spent over 20 years covering collegiate athletics. He has reported from 25 Final Fours and more than three dozen bowl games and has written about the Big 12 and its schools since the conference's beginning. Barnhouse will be updating the Big 12 Insider on happenings and behind-the-scenes information about the conference.

"The search committee looked for a candidate that has a vision for the next generation of college athletics, and his credentials and ideas exceeded this."- Oklahoma State president Burns Hargis

"Bob Bowlsby ... has a
reputation for integrity and excellence. His vision will be shaped by
successful experiences at leading institutions in other BCS conferences which
will serve the Big 12 very well as he leads us into a bright future."
- Baylor athletic director Ian McCaw.

"Bob Bowlsby is an
outstanding choice to serve as Big 12 Commissioner. He comes from a
university known for promoting excellence in both academics and
athletics. His selection sends a message that the Big 12
Conference is committing itself to those twin goals. He has also had
experience in both public and private universities. He has been a
student-athlete and an active leader in intercollegiate athletics. His
combination of skills makes him the ideal selection."
- Oklahoma president David Boren

"Hiring a person of Bob Bowlsby's caliber reflects the commitment the
universities have to the Big 12. Athletics departments under
his leadership and guidance have achieved tremendous success, and there is no
doubt that will carry over to the conference office."
- Texas Tech president Dr. Guy Bailey

"I've
known Bob for a long time. I think it's a perfect hire for the Big 12. I'm
excited to work with him in the coming years."
- TCU athletic director Chris Del Conte

"Bob Bowlsby is the right person at
the right time for the Big 12 Conference. Bob's vision, passion and core values
paired with the rich tradition of our conference make this a perfect
match."

- Oklahoma athletic director Joe
Castiglione

"He was who we identified as our No. 1 target when the
search began ... Great hire. He has tremendous
experience, political savvy, a proven leader, and most importantly, the
personality to be an outstanding commissioner."
- Iowa State athletic director Jamie Pollard

"He is an excellent choice for Big 12
Commissioner and will further enhance the cohesiveness of the conference. I
have had two of my children compete as varsity athletes at Stanford, and I know
how well-rounded the department was under his leadership. ... I believe all sports in the Big 12 will
flourish under Bob Bowlsby."
- West Virginia athletic director Oliver Luck

"The presidents and selection committee have
made a tremendous choice in Bob Bowlsby. He is one of the most well
respected leaders in the profession. He is engaged with the change that
confronts the collegiate athletics landscape from conference realignment, to
television contracts and the postseason football format. Bob has been
part of two trendsetting conferences and there is not a better leader to help
position the Big 12 Conference for the future."- Texas Tech athletic director Kirby Hocutt

"I am especially pleased we have chosen one of the country's most respected athletics directors to lead us. Bob Bowlsby has a solid vision and tremendous leadership qualities. This is a great day for the Big 12. There are a lot of good things happening in this conference, and he is the right person to lead us as we begin a new era of competitive and academic excellence."- Kansas athletic director Sheahon Zenger

"Bob Bowlsby is one of the most respected administrators in the country and has been instrumental in the recent success of not only Stanford Athletics but also the Pac-12 Conference. He has tremendous vision that will benefit our league, while his Midwest ties and experience certainly are advantageous for the Big 12. Mr. Bowlsby is a terrific choice to lead our conference, and I look forward to working in support of his leadership."- Kansas State athletic director John Currie

"We are excited to welcome Bob Bowlsby as the Big 12 commissioner. Bob is one of the most esteemed athletic directors in the nation and has led the Stanford athletics program to tremendous success. This is a great move to ensure the Big 12 remains one of the top conferences in the country."- Kansas State president Kirk Schulz

"Having known Bob through his time as athletics director at the University of Iowa, I have found him to be a strong and caring leader who at that time worked diligently to forward the University. I view him as a genuine and loyal person who will favorably interact with our conference constituency and leadership as we begin this new and prosperous period of time in the Big 12."- Kansas State football coach Bill Snyder

"Bob
has been an extraordinary advocate for our student athletes and has enhanced
Stanford's programs both athletically and academically. He has laid a
tremendous foundation from which Stanford can continue to build. We're sorry to
see him go, but this is a tremendous opportunity for him, and we wish him and
the Big 12 all the best."- Stanford Provost John Etchemendy

"Bob has been a great friend and confidant. Bob
has tremendous experience, intellect and integrity. I'm sorry we will lose him
from Stanford, but I am happy for him and believe he will do a terrific job for
the Big 12."
- Pacific-12 Conference commissioner Larry Scott